Who is your breakout player for the 2012 season?

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Rather simple topic: Who is your breakout player for the 2012 Carolina Panthers?

For me?

Breakout Player of the Year*

Wide Receiver Brandon LaFell #11

I think Brandon is poised for a big season in 2012. Throughout his young career he has developed quite a bit. Early in his career and during his first season here in Carolina a lot of fans, myself included, questioned his hands. Last year LaFell silenced a lot of doubters and showed glimpses as viable number two receiving threat. He had numerous catches that showed great body control and glue-like hands while also coming up BIG in clutch several times. I realize Cam has quite a few targets this season and will without a doubt be spreading the ball around, but I think LaFell finishes second on the team in receiving yards and receptions and third on the team for receiving touchdowns behind 89 and Greg Olsen. This team is in need of another receiving threat outside of Steve Smith and LaFell can be that guy. Numerous videos released on Panthers.com lately have featured LaFell making some pretty impressive catches and I'm excited about this kid this year.

Runner Up*

Defensive End Greg Hardy #76

By this time we have all heard the news about Hardy being close to 300lbs. If Greg has kept most of his speed and athleticism I see no reason why he should not be much improved in the run defense department. I believe Greg was hindered by the motorcycle accident last year and often times it takes Defensive Ends a couple years to really breakout and make a big impact for their teams. With improved DT play, I look for Hardy to continue batting balls down and I'm hoping he can rack up 8.5+ sacks.

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Thoughts?

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Double thread post, keep this one please.

[Gallagher]

Haruki Nakamura

[Brooklyn Bully]

No one. The stars shine though and everyone else plays a bit role.

[Kuech the Sneak]

I'm hoping

#1 Hogan

#2 Kearse

#2b Hardy(he's the one I have the most belief in breaking out, but the first two would solidify weak positions on the team)

[Doyle]

I'm pulling heavily for Gettis but don't take that as me sh*ting on Lafell.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Gettis for me.

[Jackofalltrades]

Gary Barnidge on O and Terrell McClain on D.

[Kuech the Sneak]

Gary Barnidge on O and Terrell McClain on D.

I'm just hoping for one of the D-tackles to have a great year...hopefully we can find two clear cut starters this year

[Swaggasaurus]

Sione Fua, I liked what he did last year. I think he turns it up heavy this season.

[rodeo]

Sione Fua, I liked what he did last year. I think he turns it up heavy this season.

If he can take that speed and momentum he had last year, but make it go forward, he would be amazing.

[TruCatzFan]

Offense:

LaFell, Tolbert, and Gettis in that order (already expect Smitty and Olsen)

Defense:

Keuchly, Hogan, Norman, Hardy (expect Beason, CJ, and Gamble)

[Marguide]

Pilares or Adams. Maybe breakout is too strong a word, but it would be nice to see some flashes of potential from Adams, and some from Pilares, especially as a receiver.

Little speedy guys can be deadly if used correctly and it would be nice to know we had someone in our arsenal like that (other than Smitty obviously).

[panthers90]

Does Otah count? I feel like he's going to start all 16 games.